CIRRHOSIS PREVENTION

Eliminating alcohol abuse could prevent 75-80% of all cases of cirrhosis.

Other preventive measures include:

• obtaining counseling or other treatment for alcoholism
• taking precautions (practicing safe sex, avoiding dirty needles) to prevent hepatitis
• getting immunizations against hepatitis if a person is in a high-risk group
• receiving appropriate medical treatment quickly when diagnosed with hepatitis B or hepatitis C
• having blood drawn at regular intervals to rid the body of excess iron from hemochromatosis
• using medicines (chelating agents) to rid the body of excess copper from Wilson's disease
• wearing protective clothing and following product directions when using toxic chemicals at work, at home, or in the garden